The government has assured Parliament that there will be no shortage of anti-rabies vaccines in Bangladesh while also acknowledging a significant manpower gap of more than 23,000 posts in the public health sector and outlining measures to strengthen medicine supply management in government hospitals.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain made the statements on Wednesday in the Jatiya Sangsad while responding to separate scripted and supplementary questions from treasury bench lawmakers, with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair.
On rabies prevention, the minister said the government has ensured a multi-tier stock system for anti-rabies vaccines across the country. He said patients exposed to rabid animal bites require four doses over an 18-day period, and authorities have taken comprehensive steps to maintain uninterrupted availability.
He said vaccine stocks have been maintained at three levels, including adequate supplies at upazila health complexes and anti-rabies immunoglobulin at district hospitals. In case of shortages due to sudden demand, vaccines would be redistributed from nearby upazilas, while district administrations can also arrange emergency procurement until central supplies arrive.
“The government has maintained reserves at multiple levels. There will be no shortage of vaccines even if demand rises,” the minister told Parliament. He also said 1,39,675 vials of anti-rabies vaccine have already been supplied nationwide, equivalent to 5,58,700 doses.
Responding to a separate question, the minister said more than 23,000 posts of doctors, nurses and health workers remain vacant across government hospitals. He said out of 41,806 sanctioned doctor posts, 9,407 are unfilled, while 5,032 nursing posts remain vacant out of 49,501 approved positions. In addition, 8,784 posts of health workers are vacant against 26,544 sanctioned posts.
He said the combined shortage reflects a continuing challenge in delivering healthcare services nationwide.
The minister also outlined government steps to ensure uninterrupted medicine supply and prevent misuse in public hospitals. He said medicines are being distributed through the Central Medical Stores Depot (CMSD) and local procurement committees based on demand, with emergency replenishment arranged where shortages occur.
To prevent theft and diversion, an electronic inventory management system is being introduced to track medicine stocks digitally. Barcodes and QR codes will also be added to packaging to help identify government medicines and prevent illegal sale.
Monitoring cells have been set up in hospitals, while regular audits are being conducted. Investigation committees will be formed in cases of alleged theft, and strict administrative and legal action will be taken against those found responsible.
Hospitals have also been instructed to display notices stating that government medicines are free and not for sale, as part of awareness efforts.
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